Connecticut man charged with Manslaughter in father's death.

George Brodigan, an 82 year old retired Connecticut lawyer, died on September 14, 2010 Bruce Brodigan, his son, has been charged with manslaughter in Connecticut.

The reported facts of the case.
- George Brodigan was 82 years old and had Alzheimer's disease for several years. He died on September 14, 2010.
- Police said that the Amitriptyline found in George's body is an anti-depressant that was prescribed to his son. The remaining pills were found below George's body at the death scene.
- Police said that George had a blood alcohol level of 0.13. A half empty bottle of rum was at his bedside.
- The cause of death was listed as an overdose of Amitripyline and alcohol.
- At the death scene there were copies of George's "do not resuscitate" orders, his financial and personal papers, including an obituary and a copy of the "Final Exit" suicide handbook written by Derek Humphry.
- Police contend that Bruce actively participated in the planning and completion of the death of his father. Officer Lascari stated:
"It is unlikely that he possessed the ability or foresight to follow the step-by-step instructions of the book "Final Exit" and prepare and arrange the items that were found set up in his house on the date of his death."
- West Hartford Police Chief James Strillacci stated to the Hartford Courant newspaper:

"You've got a person who is a party here, who has an interest in the outcome, who is assisting the suicide. ... When we look at all the circumstances there and we have to wonder is this a guy helping his father or is he doing something for himself?"

If the facts are as reported, the son allegedly plied the father with alcohol and fed him a lethal dose of drugs to cause his death.

Elder abuse is a common and growing problem throughout North America.

Based on the need in society to provide a safe environment from elder abuse, justice must be done.